*Amaechi to Igbo: Stop lamenting, conquer with what you have
By Kemi Kasumu
The Igbo nation appear to be getting set for self-development within the entity of Nigeria as better option than secession.
This is the interpretation that has been given to the outcome of a political round-table held in Akwa, the Anambra State capital organised by the Movement for Greater Anambra State (MOFGAS) where the first republic Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi ventilated his unhappiness with Igbo people over their cry of marginalisation all the times as against thinking out of the box to develop themselves instead of agitations.
He told them to stop lamenting their loss of political power in the country because, according to him, they could still conquer with what they have.
Speaking at the round-table, Chief Amaechi urged the Igbo to strive to conquer economic and technical power since the hallmark of every government was to effect development to make life better for the people.
Acknowledging the neglect of Igbo nation, which he said, contributed immensely towards independence and economic growth of the country, Mbazulike Amaechhi was of the view that rather than bemoan their situation, Igbo people should exploit their ingenuity by using their technical and business acumen to develop their land.
He gave example with the industrial town of Nnewi as he observed that the people of the area had been investing at home, developing their town and providing employment for their people. Chairman of Presidents of Ohaneze in the Igbo–speaking states of the country, Dr. Chris Eluemuno agreed with Amaechi, insisting that Igbo did not belong to the scheme of things in Nigeria, arguing that until they established a political party that they could call their own, they would remain a toy in the hands of the rest of the people of the country.
In his speech, the chairman of MOFGAS, Chief Shedrack Anakwue said the group’s desire was to seek for a new coalition that would produce a governor after the heart of the people during the next dispensation.
According to him, the body is made up of committed Anambra people cutting across the 21 local government areas with a vision and desire to facilitate and engender good governance in the state.
He said: “What we have in mind is a government that will be devoid of impunity, nepotism, denominational discrimination and all the divisive tendencies that are capable of tearing us apart. Rather, we desire a governor that will unite us as a people with common goal.”
Also contributing, a former governorship aspirant in the state, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu said Anambra was tired of slogans, adding that “now is time to action”.
According to him, a leader must be capable of mobilising the people, creating jobs, judiciously mobilising state resources and be held accountable at the end of his tenure.
Governor Willie Obiano, Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, APC chieftain, Chief George Moghalu and leader of PPA in the state, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo were represented at the ceremony, while former Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, among others, attended.
